News

UAE Starts Relying On Emirates ID As Proof Of Residency

Both citizens and residents can look forward to a number of benefits, including easier access to government services, less time spent at airports, and more.

Published

3 years ago

April 19, 2022

David Morelo

uae starts relying on emirates id as proof of residency

UAE ICP

From April 11, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has started relying on Emirates ID as proof of residency, suspending the issuance of residence visa stamps.

Emirates ID is a smart identity card issued by Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. All UAE citizens and residents must apply for it by filling the eForm at one of the authorized typing centers or through the online form available on website of Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC).

Each Emirates ID has an electronic chip that can store up to 32,000 letters of information. The stored information can be encrypted in order to protect the privacy of card holders and prevent unauthorized third-parties from stealing it for malicious purposes.

By switching to a modern smart identity card, the UAE is taking yet another step on its smart-city journey. Both citizens and residents can look forward to a number of benefits, including easier access to government services, less time spent at airports, and more.

Those who have registered for smart gates at airports in the UAE can pass through them by simply looking at the green light on top of the camera to verify the biometric information contained within the Emirates ID chip.

Also Read: How To Change The Mobile Number On Your Emirates ID

The replacement of residence vista stamps by Emirates ID has been made possible by the last update of the advanced card, which was introduced in August 2021 by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).

The update added several new features, including a laser-printed 3D picture, additional fields and codes definition, advanced technical characteristics, and increased data protection. The latest generation of Emirates ID cards is made using polycarbonate that should last more than 10 years and survive countless washing machine accidents and other horrors that cards typically go through.

News

Viasat Satellite Messaging Tech Showcased In Saudi Arabia

The direct-to-device (D2D) demonstration highlighted the technology’s potential to revolutionize remote communication.

Published

3 days ago

November 28, 2024

Nour Nasir

viasat satellite messaging tech showcased in saudi arabia

Satellite communications firm Viasat announced yesterday that it had completed its first demonstration of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity technology in Saudi Arabia. The live broadcast took place during the “Connecting the World from the Skies” event in Riyadh, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) alongside the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Attendees witnessed successful satellite-based two-way messaging and SOS alerts sent using commercial Android smartphones and a combination of Viasat’s robust L-band satellite network and the Bullitt over-the-top messaging app. Signals were transmitted using the company’s L-band spacecraft positioned over the Indian Ocean, while the infrastructure for 3GPP NTN services was deployed by Viasat’s partner Skylo.

Sandeep Moorthy, Viasat’s Chief Technical Officer, emphasized the significance of the demonstration, explaining, “By expanding our direct-to-device innovation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we’re showcasing the potential for D2D services in the fast-growing Gulf and Asia-Pacific region. D2D could help reduce barriers to connectivity in regions where terrestrial services are spotty and unavailable to help transform industries and supply chains, enable new opportunities, and to become more efficient, sustainable and safer. We’d like to thank the CST for their support in carrying out this exciting demonstration”.

Also Read: Joby Begins Construction Of Dubai’s First Vertiport For Air Taxis

D2D technology allows devices like smartphones, vehicles, and industrial equipment to connect seamlessly to both satellite and terrestrial networks. Unlike traditional satellite setups, D2D eliminates the need for extra hardware, thanks to emerging global standards that are gaining traction among satellite operators, mobile network providers, and tech manufacturers.

What makes this approach particularly promising is that Viasat uses a licensed, dedicated satellite spectrum to deliver its D2D services. This avoids any interference with existing terrestrial networks, allowing smooth integration with mobile network operators in the future.

The demonstration clearly showed the potential of D2D technology to bridge connectivity gaps in remote regions while opening up opportunities for innovation, improved safety, sustainability, and efficiency.